Job Title

Role OverviewThis position plays a critical role in ensuring the reliability, performance, and availability of injection molds and tooling within a high-volume manufacturing plant.The Lead Engineer oversees the tool shop operation, drives tooling strategy, and partners cross-functionally with production, quality, safety, and engineering teams to optimize plant performance in terms of safety, cost, quality, and delivery.The role combines technical leadership, operational execution, and continuous improvement ownership across the molding environment.Required QualificationsBachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related discipline10+ years of experience in tooling engineering and mold manufacturing environmentsMinimum 5 years leading teams or managing tool shop operationsStrong knowledge of injection molding processes and tooling lifecycleProficiency in CAD systems and tooling design interpretationExperience in automotive or high-volume regulated manufacturing environmentsKnowledge of industry standards and quality systemsFamiliarity with IATF 16949, ISO 14001, ISO 45001 principlesExperience with structured problem-solving methodologies (5W, 8D, Fishbone, etc.)Experience working with Engel or similar injection molding machinesGD&T knowledge requiredTechnical understanding of robotics, electronics, pneumatics, and mechanicsFluent Spanish and English requiredKey ResponsibilitiesTool Shop Leadership & StrategyLead the tooling and tool shop team, ensuring strong collaboration, performance, and accountabilityDefine tooling strategies to ensure availability, reliability, and lifecycle optimizationMentor engineers and technicians, supporting their technical and professional developmentTooling Engineering & OperationsOversee design, validation, maintenance, and optimization of molds and tooling systemsEnsure molds meet performance, durability, and quality requirementsCreate tooling specifications for supplier quotation and sourcing activitiesSupport preventive maintenance programs for molds and machinesProvide technical guidance to production, maintenance, and engineering teamsProject & Manufacturing SupportManage tooling projects from concept through production releaseSupport transfer projects, equipment validation, and process launchesEnsure engineering teams follow APQP milestones, PPAP requirements, and validation timelinesParticipate in technical change boards and engineering review forumsSupport quoting and feasibility reviews for new businessContinuous Improvement & Operational ExcellenceDrive initiatives to reduce scrap, downtime, and cycle time lossesImplement Lean Manufacturing methodologies and structured problem-solving toolsOptimize resource utilization across production floor, equipment, and staffingEnsure process owners drive improvements and sustain standardsStakeholder & External InterfaceCollaborate with suppliers and tooling vendors on design feedback and technical requirementsSupport customer visits, audits, and technical reviews as neededCoordinate cross-functional plant initiatives to improve productivity and performanceFinancial & Resource ManagementManage tooling budgets, forecasting, and cost control initiativesDefine capital investment needs for tooling, equipment, and workforce planningEnsure tooling strategy aligns with operational and business objectivesSuccess ProfileThe ideal candidate is a hands-on technical leader who combines strong tooling expertise with the ability to lead teams, drive manufacturing improvements, and ensure operational readiness in a fast-paced production environment.